A Virginia Online Theft / Shoplifting class

Virginia Theft Laws
Virginia Theft Laws

Virginia Theft / Shoplifting classes

The Outcome Alternatives® online Theft / Shoplifting class is among the most widely accepted, comprehensive, affordable and effective way to gain Theft / Shoplifting skills. This Theft / Shoplifting class was written and prepared for court ordered clients, students, employees and for personal growth. The Outcome Alternatives® online Theft / Shoplifting class is listed as an acceptedTheft / Shoplifting program throughout the United States, including Virginia, Canada, and abroad. Our web-based online Theft / Shoplifting class includes:

* A complete 4 or 8 hour Theft / Shoplifting class based on the book The Psychology of Stealing , by Steven M. Houseworth, MA.

* Where we find an average of $195 for similar theft classes, ours if much more affordable.

* A self-paced Theft / Shoplifting class online learning experience.

* Log in, Log out 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

* Online exam following each chapter and a final exam.

* Immediately upon completion printable Certificate of Completion for verification.

* Accepted by Court, Probation Officer or Schools in Virginia, or money-back guaranteed.

This Virginia online Theft / Shoplifting class was designed to meet Virginia court, probation department, diversion program, school and human resource department requirements. Our online Theft / Shoplifting classes are an effective, convenient and less expensive way of learning how to correct theft related problems that may arise for you and others needing a Virginia Theft / Shoplifting class.

Virginia Theft Laws
Virginia Theft Laws

Virginia Shoplifting Laws

Shoplifting is defined as a larceny in Virginia. The value of the merchandise will determine if your shoplifting charge is going to be charged as a petit (petty) larceny or grand larceny in Virginia .

If the value of the good stolen is valued at $200 or more, then the person accused of shoplifting is facing a grand larceny charge in Virginia.

If the value of the good stolen is valued less than $200, then the person accused of shoplifting is facing a petit (petty) larceny charge in Virginia.

Shoplifting cases in Virginia are frequently actually charged under the Virginia concealment statute. The concealment statute makes it a larceny to conceal merchandise or alter the price tag of merchandise, in order to take the merchandise.

18.2-95 . Grand larceny defined; how punished.

Any person who (i) commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of $5 or more, (ii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of $200 or more, or (iii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of any firearm, regardless of the firearm's value, shall be guilty of grand larceny, punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.

§ 18.2-96 . Petit larceny defined; how punished.

Any person who:

1. Commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of less than $5, or

2. Commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of less than $200, except as provided in subdivision (iii) of § 18.2-95 , shall be deemed guilty of petit larceny, which shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

§ 18.2-98 . Larceny of bank notes, checks, etc., or any book of accounts.

If any person steal any bank note, check, or other writing or paper of value, whether the same represents money and passes as currency, or otherwise, or any book of accounts, for or concerning money or goods due or to be delivered, he shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof, and receive the same punishment, according to the value of the thing stolen, prescribed for the punishment of the larceny of goods and chattels. The provisions of this section shall be construed to embrace all bank notes and papers of value representing money and passing as currency, whether the same be the issue of this Commonwealth or any other state, or of the United States, or of any corporation, and shall include all other papers of value, of whatever description. In a prosecution under this section, the money due on or secured by the writing, paper or book, and remaining unsatisfied, or which in any event might be collected thereon, or the value of the property or money affected thereby, shall be deemed to be the value of the article stolen.

§ 18.2-99 . Larceny of things fixed to the freehold.

Things which savor of the realty, and are at the time they are taken part of the freehold, whether they be of the substance or produce thereof, or affixed thereto, shall be deemed goods and chattels of which larceny may be committed, although there be no interval between the severing and taking away.

§ 18.2-102.1 . Removal of shopping cart from store premises.

(1) The term "shopping cart" when used in this section means those push carts of the type or types which are commonly provided by grocery stores, drugstores, or other merchant stores or markets for the use of the public in transporting commodities in stores and markets from the store to a place outside the store.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove a shopping cart from the premises, of the owner of such shopping cart without the consent, of the owner or of his agent, servant, or employee given at the time of such removal. For the purpose of this section, the premises shall include all the parking area set aside by the owner, or on behalf of the owner, for the parking of cars for the convenience of the patrons of the owner.

(3) Any person convicted of a violation under subsection (2) shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

§ 18.2-103 . Concealing or taking possession of merchandise; altering price tags; transferring goods from one container to another; counseling, etc., another in performance of such acts.

Whoever, without authority, with the intention of converting goods or merchandise to his own or another's use without having paid the full purchase price thereof, or of defrauding the owner of the value of the goods or merchandise, (i) willfully conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, or (ii) alters the price tag or other price marking on such goods or merchandise, or transfers the goods from one container to another, or (iii) counsels, assists, aids or abets another in the performance of any of the above acts, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is less than $200, shall be guilty of petit larceny and, when the value of the goods or merchandise involved in the offense is $200 or more, shall be guilty of grand larceny. The willful concealment of goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment, while still on the premises thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to convert and defraud the owner thereof out of the value of the goods or merchandise.

§ 18.2-104 . Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor larceny.

When a person is convicted of an offense of larceny or any offense deemed to be or punished as larceny under any provision of the Code, and it is alleged in the warrant, indictment or information on which he is convicted, and admitted, or found by the jury or judge before whom he is tried, that he has been before convicted in the Commonwealth of Virginia or in another jurisdiction for any offense of larceny or any offense deemed or punishable as larceny, or of any substantially similar offense in any other jurisdiction, regardless of whether the prior convictions were misdemeanors, felonies or a combination thereof, he shall be confined in jail not less than thirty days nor more than twelve months; and for a third, or any subsequent offense, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

§ 18.2-105.1 . Detention of suspected shoplifter.

A merchant, agent or employee of the merchant, who has probable cause to believe that a person has shoplifted in violation of § 18.2-95 or § 18.2-96 or § 18.2-103 , on the premises of the merchant, may detain such person for a period not to exceed one hour pending arrival of a law-enforcement officer.

§ 18.2-105.2 . Manufacture, sale, etc., of devices to shield against electronic detection of shoplifting prohibited; penalty.

It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute or possess any specially coated or laminated bag or other device primarily designed and intended to shield shoplifted merchandise from detection by an anti-theft electronic alarm sensor, with the intention that the same be used to aid in the shoplifting of merchandise. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

§ 18.2-108 . Receiving, etc., stolen goods.

If any person buy or receive from another person, or aid in concealing, any stolen goods or other thing, knowing the same to have been stolen, he shall be deemed guilty of larceny thereof, and may be proceeded against, although the principal offender be not convicted.

§ 18.2-108.01 . Larceny with intent to sell or distribute; sale of stolen property; penalty.

A. Any person who commits larceny of property with a value of $200 or more with the intent to sell or distribute such property is guilty of a felony punishable by confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than two years nor more than 20 years. The larceny of more than one item of the same product is prima facie evidence of intent to sell or intent to distribute for sale.

B. Any person who sells, attempts to sell or possesses with intent to sell or distribute any stolen property with an aggregate value of $200 or more where he knew or should have known that the property was stolen is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. A violation of this section constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

§ 18.2-152.6 . Theft of computer services; penalties.

Any person who willfully obtains computer services without authority is guilty of the crime of theft of computer services, which shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the theft of computer services is valued at $2,500 or more, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

§ 18.2-152.6 . Theft of computer services; penalties.

Shoplifting Penalties

If you are charged with shoplifting in Virginia, the penalties are very serious and the punishments imposed by the court can be very harsh .

The precise penalty you will face in court depends upon the type of Virginia shoplifting charge you are charged with, the facts of your case, and your prior record.

Petty larceny
. Misdemeanor
. Up to 1 year in jail
. Up to a $2,500 fine

Grand larceny:
. Felony
. Up to 20 years in jail

FIRST TIME OFFENDER DISMISSAL - IT IS A MYTH

Some Virginia lawyers will frequently tell their clients that if you are charged with a petty shoplifting charge and you have a clean record, you may be able to get your shoplifting charge dismissed under the first time offender program some jurisdictions have.

THIS IS A MYTH - Even though you can have your Virginia shoplifting charge dismissed, what you are not told is that it can still come back to haunt you. Why? Because, even if the shoplifting charge is dismissed, your criminal record reflects that you received a first time offender treatment because you have to enter a plea of guilty to get this treatment.

take a theft class * take a shoplifting class * take a theft class * take a petit class * take a theft class * take a shoplifting course

Disclaimer
Please note, the theft law information on this page is provided as a courtesy to help explain theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. There is no guarantee or assurance of reliability or validity. Laws change over time and this page may or may not be current. The code that is provided on this site is an unofficial posting of the State Codes. The files making up this Internet version of the State Codes do not constitute the official text of the State Codes and are intended for informational purposes only. No representation is made as to the accuracy or completeness of these sections. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the statutes available Outcome Alternatives® shall not be liable or held responsible for any errors or omissions which may occur in these files, they are provided on an "As Is" basis. Use of the information and services are at the sole risk of the user. There is absolutely NO INTENT to provide legal advice or suggest these links can substitute for competent legal advice. For official versions of any state's current laws, the user is directed to that states Revised Statutes, all amendments and cumulative supplements thereto published by that state. Please notify the Webmaster if you find any irregularities in the statutes on this web site. The Webmaster will relay the information to appropriate staff to investigate the irregularities. The printed version of the State Codes should be consulted for all matters requiring reliance on the statutory text. If you were involved in a theft or shoplifting incident you are encouraged to consider taking a theft class, theft course or shoplifting education class such as the one provided by Theft Talk. Research shows theft school and/or theft education can be an effective theft prevention. "THEFT TALK"™ is an online theft education, shoplifting education class about stealing, it can be very effective if you want to stop stealing. Evan it was a small theft, a petty theft class or petty theft school could be right for you!

An online theft class / shoplifting class / larceny class / petty theft class for people who have stolen

THEFT TALK -- since 1983

Online Shoplifting - Theft Classes / Theft Education

Is the Outcome Alternatives® Theft / Shoplifting class Right for You?

Theft programs can vary a great deal in terms of content and delivery method. Like many things on the internet they are not always what they "appear" to be. Our research has only found three theft classes offered online that are good and reputable. There are a few theft classes offered that are either a bit deceptive about pricing (i.e., one price is all you really pay), certificate delivery (is it mailed or does it cost more?) or simplythe class does not meet a high professional quality standard. Choose Theft Talk or not - be careful.

A Nationwide Program

Outcome Alternatives® is a Nationwide Company that has a reputation across the Nation for our high quality programs. We have been providing Theft / Shoplifting classes since 1983 as our Theft Talk program.

Some "Online" theft / shoplifting programs are not actually a real online service. These theft classes indicate they are an online program because they can be found and purchased on a web page, but in reality the theft class is really a book you purchase or a download file that you put on your computer. This is really not an online class but rather a product you purchase on the web.

When we say we offer a Online Virginia Theft / Shoplifting class, we mean "Online."

With our theft class you will register online, create your username/password so that you can log in and out of the program as many times as you want 24/7. You make your Theft / Shoplifting class purchase online. You take all of your coursework online as well. There are no downloads or anything else. The system will "remember" you and all of your scores as you log in and out of our secure system. You will also be able to print the Theft Class Certificate of Completion directly from your screen upon successful completion of the program.

A Workbook Class is available too

As an alternative to the online class, please note we do also offer a workbook/correspondence course for those without internet access.

Credentials, Experience and Qualified

If you are comparing programs we encourage you to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. What is the history of the company providing the course? What kind of experience, education and training qualifies them to offer classes? Was the class written by a professional in the field or by a non-experienced "writer" or "canned" curriculum?

Outcome Alternatives® staff began researching and working with Theft / Shoplifting clients in 1983. At the onset the service was called Theft Talk. Now, Outcome Alternatives® is a nationwide service providing high quality evidence based Theft / Shoplifting services. All Outcome Alternatives® counselors are required to complete rigorous training prior to becoming a certified counselor. All Counselors are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and are supervised by staff with a minimum of a Master's Degree.

Can a judge, probation officer or attorney contact the agency to verify credentials?

Of course! If your specific court is not familiar with our program you may wish to print our court approval documentation, (click here to get document). to give them further information. If they contact our office we will also provide them access to our online theft class so they can view the program and its integrity for themselves.

The Psychology of Stealing

What is the program based off of? Is there substance or just feel good babble? The Outcome Alternatives® Theft / Shoplifting class is based on the book The Psychology of Stealing, written by Steven M. Houseworth, MA who is a consultant for Outcome Alternatives® Listed below are the objectives of our program.

OBJECTIVE 1: Empowerment: To assist the client in developing a sense of personal responsibility for each decision they make. Prior to completing our online course each client will acknowledge they are the only one who can stop themselves from stealing.

OBJECTIVE 2: Education: To inform each client of the impact stealing has on others. The purpose is to have each client perceive theft quite differently from how it is typically perceived. In this regard, the second objective is to provide each client with specific information and skills to include in their decision making process. Prior to completing the course each client will associate stealing with the actual impact it always has on others.

OBJECTIVE 3: Victim Awareness: To have each client consider the value he/she places on “others”. This third objective entails having the offender look into him/her self, introspectively and weigh the value placed on SELF vs. the value placed on OTHERS. We are not trying to build the offenders self image. We recognize the importance of this however, our focus is on developing an OTHERS image.

OBJECTIVE 4: Empathy Development: To have each client consider the value he/she places on "others." This objective entails having the offender look into him/herself, introspectively and weigh the value placed on SELF vs. the value placed on OTHERS. Prior to, and long after completing the course each client will question themselves - asking, seriously, how important they believe others really are.

Do they offer a refund policy? What happens if your court does not accept the program?

Outcome Alternatives® stands behind its program and offers a full money back guarantee. Click here to view the Outcome Alternatives® Guarantee.

Why is the Outcome Alternatives® price so reasonable?

At Outcome Alternatives® we strive hard to keep our overhead costs low so that we can pass on the savings to you. We are well aware of all the other financial obligations that were likely placed upon you by the courts. We want you to be successful at completing your court orders. We give you, what we believe to be a solid honest fair price for our service. With our program I am very confident that you will be receiving one of the best Theft / Shoplifting programs available.

For some, an online program is best. No need to take time off work or out of your busy schedule. You complete the course in your home or at any internet connection on your schedule. Our classes are available 24/7. For others, sitting in a group or with a live instructor might be the best option. Either way make sure the program that you utilize measures up.

Outcome Alternatives® Theft Talk™ classes

Outcome Alternatives® provides Theft / Shoplifting classes as a 4 hour Theft / Shoplifting class or an 8 hour Theft / Shoplifting class. The Theft / Shoplifting curriculum is based on, "The Psychology of Stealing" by our founder, Steven Michael Houseworth, MA. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes do not focus on laws and punishments - you already know stealing is illegal. A key component of an effective Theft / Shoplifting class is to educate the student about the dangers of mental rehearsing theft behaviors. No Theft / Shoplifting class would be complete if it did not provide new, meaningful and useful information. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes work under the assumption that the way a person thinks guides the way a person behaves. Theft Talk classes use a cognitive restructuring approach which basically follows the tenant of Norman Vincent Peale (1898 - 1993): "Change your thoughts and you will change your world." Our Theft / Shoplifting classes ask the client to explore their attitudes, values and beliefs. Each of our Theft / Shoplifting classes end asking the client to figure out what they believe, who they are and to identify their value system. To this end, our Theft / Shoplifting classes have a victim focus and work toward understanding and developing empathy.

The original Theft Talk classes began in 1983. As practitioners in the criminal justice field it it only made sense to focus on a specialty of theft since most crimes are theft related - theft, shoplifting, burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle, burglary, robbery, etc.. Our first Theft / Shoplifting class was called Theft Talk and we quickly learned that conducting Theft / Shoplifting classes is a formidable task. Initially we spent most of our time on techniques and, through trial and error, our Theft / Shoplifting class evolved into the Theft / Shoplifting class it is today. Our education, the volumes or research and practice has proven that a Theft / Shoplifting class has little likelihood of being effective unless a key component is included - the attitudes, values and beliefs of the person with the Theft / Shoplifting problem. Theft / Shoplifting clients need to change their thinking if they want to to change their behavior.

What are you going to try to do to me in your Theft / Shoplifting class?

Strangely enough this Theft / Shoplifting question is quite important! It is of high importance to Outcome Alternatives® that we don't try to do anything to you. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes do not try to fix you. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes do not judge you. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes do not try to force anything on you and have no intent of imposing change on you. Critical to the success of our theft class is the need to: a) be respectful of the client, b) not be judgmental of the client, c) not try to impose "the truth" on the client and d) not try to impose change on the client. Our Theft / Shoplifting class is education oriented and works under the assumption that if you learn you will change your thoughts. If you change your thoughts you will change your behavior, your life and your world. Yes, with great confidence we are strong believers in education, we attribute education to have converted the human animal to the human being. Any change that comes as a result of taking our Theft / Shoplifting classes is change that the client makes. We can take credit for providing meaningful information; the client needs to take credit for changing his/her Theft / Shoplifting behavior. Life gets much better, much happier and becomes more fulfilling once Theft / Shoplifting problems are in the past.

Okay, it is education based, so what can I expect to learn in this Theft / Shoplifting classes?

Our Theft / Shoplifting classes are based on the book by Steven Michael Houseworth, MA, "The Psychology of Stealing." The Theft / Shoplifting class curriculum finds a balance between providing new information and providing Theft / Shoplifting "stuff" you can try, work on, use to deal with a Theft / Shoplifting problem. The education component explains theft in a way you have likely never heard before and then moves right on to asking you to rethink Theft / Shoplifting beliefs you may have that are not true.

What is the best way to take a Theft / Shoplifting class?

Theft / Shoplifting classes come in many forms. The old traditional counselor in a chair method of dealing with people with Theft / Shoplifting problems may be right for you. Counselors, psychologists and some social workers offer their services and, if you have insurance or can afford their fees, you would do well to explore that route. Personally, I recommend a counselor or psychologist for theft issues.

Another popular way to take a Theft / Shoplifting class is by attending an in person Theft / Shoplifting classroom. This form of Theft / Shoplifting class is often available in bigger cities. Basically, there are two forms of in person Theft / Shoplifting classes; there is the Theft / Shoplifting class and the Theft / Shoplifting group . If you don't mind sharing your Theft / Shoplifting problems, or simply prefer a group or classroom setting, a Theft / Shoplifting class or Theft / Shoplifting group might be suited to you.

Outcome Alternatives® offers two other forms of Theft / Shoplifting classes. Our Theft / Shoplifting classes are offered as an online Theft / Shoplifting class or a Theft / Shoplifting workbook (study at home). As previously noted our Theft / Shoplifting classes are educational in nature. One huge benefit of an online Theft / Shoplifting class is fidelity. Online Theft / Shoplifting classes are delivered consistently the same way for each client and eliminate natural human errors and omissions.

Our workbook Theft / Shoplifting class consists of the same content as the online class but is in a workbook format versus online.

Tell me about the online Theft / Shoplifting class.

It really is pretty simple. The first thing you do is get registered so you can take your online Theft / Shoplifting class - it's free to register, (create an account). Try not to register more than one time, you will likely lose track of usernames and passwords and need to call our help center.

When you register you will be asked to input your email address. This becomes important because after you register for the online Theft / Shoplifting class you will be sent an auto generated email confirming your registration. If you don't get an email right away we suggest you check your spam or junk-mail to see if it is there. You will also be asked for the email address of the person who referred you to our Theft / Shoplifting class (If you have it). It is usually worth taking the time to get that person's email address because that person is sent a confirmation that you got registered for the Theft / Shoplifting class and again when you complete your Theft / Shoplifting class.

Once you are registered you need to pick the Theft / Shoplifting class you want to take: The juvenile or adult version; the impulse control version; the petit theft version (same class but different certificate); the 4 hour class, the 8 hour class.

Pick your class, click on the PayPal/Credit Card icon to pay for your Theft / Shoplifting class and you are ready to go.

Are there added costs or other things to buy?

Theft Talk classes are 100% online. There are no additional items to buy and there are no added costs.

Will the Theft Talk class be accepted by the person who referred me to a Theft / Shoplifting class?

Outcome Alternatives® is a nationwide premier provider of online Theft / Shoplifting classes and has been accepted in every state in the country. That said, there is no national standard for Theft / Shoplifting classes and any judge, probation officer or employer can accept a Theft / Shoplifting class or reject it. We do offer a money back guarantee (be sure to read the details) if our online Theft / Shoplifting class is not accepted.

Can I really take my Theft / Shoplifting class anytime - day or night?

That's right! You can take your Theft / Shoplifting class anytime, day or night, 23 hours a day 7 days a week. You also only need to work on your Theft / Shoplifting class for as long as you want to. Stop and start when you want - the system will remember where you last ended your Theft / Shoplifting class.

Are your Theft / Shoplifting class exams difficult to pass?

Our exams do have fairly high standards. If you want to be sure to successfully complete any one chapter in your online Theft / Shoplifting class you will very likely pass the exam if you simply read the material in that chapter. The only people who report our Theft / Shoplifting class exams to be problematic are the people who tried "skimming" without learning. Our exams are typically reported to be easy after the person actually reads the chapter.

What if I need help, have a problem or need support?

Support for our Theft / Shoplifting customers is very important to Outcome Alternatives®. We offer email support seven days a week 15 hours a day. We provide phone support 10 hours a day on weekdays. We are often available by phone on weekends. You can email support@thefttalk.com and you will typically get a response in one hour or less.

How do I get my Theft / Shoplifting class completion certificate?

After you have completed all of your Theft Talk class a Completion Certificate is immediately activated and made available to you. If you want Outcome Alternatives® to mail or email you a certificate, just ask - no added fee. Mailed Theft Talk class Completion Certificates are embossed and can be sent directly to the person who referred you to our Theft / Shoplifting class.

A Really Good Choice

Our Theft / Shoplifting class is a convenient way to complete a court ordered, PO, diversion or school required program.

You can take the class from any location in the United States, Europe, Canada or Australia with a computer and internet access. There is nothing to download or print, simply register, log in, pay and begin your class.